It’s genuinely impressive that dedicated fans continue to create their own games based on Nintendo’s popular franchises, especially considering the company’s well-known history of issuing DMCA takedowns against unofficial PC ports, emulators, and fan games.
“Super Mario and the Rainbow Stars” is a prime example of fan creativity and dedication. Developed by “Starshi,” this adventure platformer draws inspiration from both Super Mario World 2 and Paper Mario. It features Mario exploring a stunning 3D overworld before diving into beautifully crafted 2D levels filled with new mechanics, bosses, and even cutscenes.
The fan game has been in development for several years, with the pixel artist frequently sharing updates through videos and images on social media. It appears that the project initially began using the SMBX 38A engine but transitioned to the SMBX 2 engine sometime in 2023.
Starshi has recently released a new demo for Super Mario and the Rainbow Stars, which includes the game’s prologue and the entire first chapter out of a planned total of seven chapters, offering approximately 2-3 hours of nostalgic gameplay.
https://superstarshi.github.io/smatrs/download
The demo is available for free download, but it’s wise to grab it while you can, given Nintendo’s history of issuing DMCA takedown notices. The company’s lawyers are well-known for targeting fan-made projects, unofficial PC ports or anything utilizing Nintendo IP and assets. For example, Nintendo recently took down the Yuzu emulator, likely targeting Tropic Haze for monetizing preview builds through platforms like Patreon.
Nintendo has a history of DMCA takedowns against fan games, such as AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake), a fan-made remake of Metroid II: Return of Samus. Released in 2016, it was removed shortly after its launch due to a DMCA from Nintendo.
The Japanese gaming giant has also targeted projects like Super Mario 64 HD, a fan remake of the classic Nintendo 64 title made in Unity. Nintendo has even taken action against adult-themed content, such as the “Mario is Missing: Peach’s Untold Tale” flash game, which was an eight-year-old pornographic parody of the franchise and was taken down in September 2020.
More recently, Vimm’s Lair, a site known for hosting archived game ROMs and ISOs, faced DMCA takedowns from Nintendo, SEGA, and other companies.
Fortunately, a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, developed using Unreal Engine 5, continues to thrive with updates months after its release online.
Super Mario and the Rainbow Stars is a project designed to infuse the distinctive qualities of the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series into an engaging 2D platformer.
The game’s impressive custom pixel art and intricate storyline, centered around the newly awakened character “Starnox,” highlight that this is not just an ordinary fan game but a labor of love. It reflects the developer’s profound appreciation for the Mario franchise and their ambition to introduce something fresh to its legacy.
Although it’s a fan creation, SMATRS showcases a remarkable level of craftsmanship and detail, illustrating the potential for fan-made games to deliver unique and enjoyable experiences.
Super Mario and the Rainbow Stars is a compelling example of how fan projects can honor and expand upon established franchises. Its fusion of classic Mario elements with smooth platforming mechanics and thoughtful design underscores the creativity and passion of the fan community.
As fans continue to push the limits of game design, SMATRS stands as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and imagination.
The project has been thriving since early 2020, and there’s hope that its development will continue smoothly over the next few years. It’s a true labor of love for the Mario franchise, with a level of quality that could easily be mistaken for a mainline installment.
However, as is often the case with Nintendo, the only way to release such content without interference is to release the full game. Given that it has taken Starshi more than four years to publicly release around four hours of content, if you’re a dedicated fan of the Mario series and enjoy the classic retro feel of SNES-era titles, you’d be stupid not to try Super Mario and the Rainbow Stars and download it before Nintendo potentially issues a cease and desist.
